September 27, 2019

In This Issue

"State government is now doing more than ever before to help local governments fight homelessness, expand proven programs and speed up rehousing."
-Governor Gavin Newsom on signing package of housing bills, including VICA-supported AB 1197.
  
Media Mentions

Over critics' objections, L.A. Metro approves $4.4. million for South Bay internet project
L.A. Times
September 26


Members
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members


(2014)

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Welcome our New Member
 




The Week Ahead

2019 Health Equity Awards
Partnership to Fight
Chronic Disease
Thursday, October 3
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Airtel Plaza Hotel Gulfstream Ballroom
Click  here for the flyer

______________________
Save the Date

Land Use Committee
Tuesday, October 8
8 to 10 a.m.
The Garland 
4222 Vineland Ave.,
North Hollywood
Click  here to RSVP

Not-For-Profit Committee
Thursday, October 10
8:30 to 10 a.m.
Child Care Resource Center
19809 Prairie St., 2nd Floor
Chatsworth
Click here to RSVP

Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, October 16
8:30 to 10 a.m.
Penny Lane Centers
15305 Rayen St.,
North Hills
Click here to RSVP

Business Forecast Conference
Friday, October 25
7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hilton Universal Hotel
555 Universal Drive,
Universal City
Click here to RSVP



Hot Issues 

Federal Highway Funding
The EPA signaled to cut federal highway funding to California, claiming the state failed to submit pollution-control plans according to the federal Clean Air Act.

Wildfire Warning
The National Weather Service warned that the combination of warm weather and the Santa Ana winds put Southern California at higher risk of fires.

Possible Strike
Kaiser Permanente reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser-employee unions, averting a planned nationwide strike on October 14.

Homelessness
The Los Angeles City Council voted not to restrict areas where the homeless can sleep, choosing instead to ask Governor Newsom for a declaration of a State of Emergency.

Privacy
The proponents of California's Consumer Privacy Act, which takes effect on January 1, have filed a new ballot measure which would dramatically increase the private right of action against businesses.

Gas Prices
Several issues at California refineries could lead to fuel prices in the state to rise to over $4 a gallon.

Housing Market
The California Association of Realtors forecast that home prices in California will rise by 2.5% in 2020

Oppose Measure to Remove Prop 13 Protections
VICA opposes the ballot measure known as 'split roll', which will remove Prop 13 property tax protections for certain commercial and industrial properties. Although the measure is currently qualified for the November 2020 ballot, proponents of split roll plan to replace it with an amended version, highlighting the measure's flaw. Both versions of the measure would reassess the value of commercial and industrial properties every 3 years, rather than on the change of ownership. Despite keeping the 1 percent cap on property tax, the ballot measure would base this on the newer and generally higher market prices, instead of the price of purchase or change of ownership.  Even worse, this could increase the cost of housing as local governments will have a direct incentive to zone more commercial use, since the revenues from commercial property will be so much higher.

VICA has long stood against split roll, which would act as a first step in rolling back other Prop 13 protections.

Click here to join the coalition against split roll.
VICA Attends Metro Board Meeting to Oppose Inappropriate Use of Measure M Dollars
On Thursday, the Metro Board of Directors approved the use of Measure M funds for a fiber optic network proposed by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. Los Angeles voters strongly supported Measure M in 2016, having been promised that its sales tax revenue would only be used for transportation projects. VICA attended the Board meeting to voice its strong opposition. Setting aside $4.4 million for an internet project is an inappropriate use of transportation funding and directly contradicts the will of the voters. 
Attendees enjoy hosted drinks and appetizers as they meet and interact with other prominent business leaders from the community. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Burbank Airport Marriott
2627 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank



SCOTT SANTORO
Vice President of Los Angeles
and
West Sales for Delta Air Lines
PATRICK LAMMERDING
Deputy Executive Director of Planning
&
Development for the Hollywood Burbank Airport


CO-SPONSOR


VICA After Darks are  complimentary to VICA  members

Attendees also have a chance to win two round-trip tickets on  Delta (Comfort+ within the continental U.S. and Canada), as well as other raffle items.


VICA Meets with Assemblymember Friedman


On Monday, VICA met with Assemblymember Laura Friedman for a small business roundtable along with other local business owners and associations. The roundtable included an open discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the Valley. VICA thanks Assemblymember Friedman for taking the time to listen to the concerns of the business community in her district.
VICA has Led the Charge for Transit Investments to Be Made in the Valley

VICA-sponsored Assembly Bill 1560 was approved unanimously by the Legislature and now sits on the Governor's Desk. 
VICA has led the charge for transit investments to made in the Valley. We were a strong advocate for Metro's Orange Line, which is one of the busiest BRT lines serving riders traveling in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Los Angeles County. VICA also fought hard for the approval of Measure M, which included the approval of projects that will improve the Valley's connectivity with the rest of the region. It is essential that areas surrounding the Orange Line and future transit lines are eligible for incentives and CEQA exemptions to ensure housing development is maximized near transit. We urge you to send a letter to the Governor. 

Click here to send a letter supporting AB 1560.
VICA Joins LEAD Conference in Denver
This week, VICA joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in its 2019 LEAD Conference in Denver. During the conference, VICA engaged with business associations and chamber professionals from around the country. Discussions ran on a wide variety of topics, including best practices in advocacy and engagement, as well as the leading issues for business communities at the local, state and federal levels. 
Member Messages:
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VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact [email protected]  or 
call (818) 817-0545.